ChristopherJohn, perhaps you already have all the information that you need, but if you can tolerate one more bit of advice (from a relatively new collector), here is what I suggest:
- For identifying your stamps (particularly US stamps), you can certainly purchase a catalogue, but in my experience the online tools (particularly Stamp Smarter and The Swedish Tiger, noted above) are excellent - and also free!
- For putting together a list of which stamps you have, I found it helpful to download and print off a catalogue from a large dealer (I used the Minnesota Stamp Company catalogue, but the comments above also suggest the Mystic Stamp catalogue), and to use it as a checklist of sorts. You can highlight in the catalogue either the stamps that you already own, or the stamps that you want to add to your collection. The prices in the catalogue also help you decide which acquisitions are feasible, and which are not. (Personally, I think the original "Upside-down Jenny" stamp is cool, but given the price I won't be acquiring it!)
- Finally, for showing or storing your collection, you can decide if you want to acquire an album or if you prefer keeping your collection organized in a different manner (e.g., stock books or something else). And if you decide on an album, you can choose either a pre-printed album (and subject yourself to the "tyranny of the pre-printed album" and all those pages that initially will have no stamps on them!) or if you want something more free-form, showing the stamps in any format you want. I'll defer to others with recommendations regarding the "best" album - I expect that there are a lot of opinions out there!
Good luck! |
Posted 07/10/2026 1:28 pm
